DLSU Receives Thrashing from Nico Salva, este, Blue Eagles

(editor's note:  show some love for our new writer!)

Had no regrets lining up for tickets, though I wished I got Upper B’s instead. It’s where the action’s at. Sorry, I’m not made for the Upper A, it’s better to be near the Babble. But to see people only cheering when Ateneo is in the driver’s seat is but a minor aberration.

The game started slow for both teams, especially the boys in blue. But after a bust out of the Phenom, we got our bearings and the timely insertion of Tonino Gonzaga was the onus. Boy did he have a game. I was thrown back during my days where I met Zags by the EDSA walk of the Ateneo High School, he was still giving out dominant performances for the Blue Eaglets then and this is what I call dominant. Sure, only 12 points. But against his match-up? Total obliteration.

I wonder where the second foul against Greg came from (he was pretty jumping straight up in the jumbotron replay), but I digress. The opening minute blocks were totally awesome. I don’t care even if Van Opstal outscored him. Greg didn’t have to. His wingman, Nico Salva did more than enough to give the big guy some rest in preparation for the upcoming 29-0 on September 10 (yes, I’m boldly predicting a 29-0 against that other, tinier bird). I don’t know what’s wrong with the other teams who seem to neglect Salva and focus on Kief and Greg. Seriously, this guy led the Blue Eagles in scoring last year. Neglecting him seemed to be a slight. He can ball. And he can destroy your team any given time when he wants to pay you back for slighting him with token defense. Just ask FEU and UST.

Well, there’s not much I can say about it, though I’d like to honor 5 Blue Eagles in my 5 for the Blue and White.

5 for the Blue and White

• Nico Salva. This guy can play fellas. He ain't a bust, TGM. Yours is. And boy did he put on a show. Dancing around Van Opstal and Torres (why the heck is he shooting threes?) en route to another fine offensive performance.  
• Tonino Gonzaga. Yep. This was Zags' game from beginning to end.  And is it just me or is he the only one accustomed to the new three point line? The stat line was totally stuffed. 
• Justin Chua. Am I worried that whenever Greg sits down we lose a step?  Heck no. Justin Chua arrived and played like it was Season 73. He made mincemeat out of Torres for crying out loud.
• Pocket Rocket. Well, it's no question who's the best point guard of the season. No, I won't take it back. Smallest guy collaring loose balls and rebounds in the land of the giants? Giving pinpoint fastbreak passes like a football quarterback?  
• Kiefer Ravena. It looks like my claim that he is the most consistent rookie by not scoring less than 10 points since the first game fluke nearly doomed me. And Kiefer Ravena just keeps saying to doubters: take me seriously. Heck, TGM, I know you’re pissing in your pants out of fear right now. Same goes to TALO. And oh, was that a “ala Kobe bastos move” on dela Paz and Atkins (anyone can disrespect Atkins yeah)? That got me jumping inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

P.S. 

• Greg, please get a mean streak. You are far too gentle on the opposition it seems. Or are you just pacing yourself for the real show? 
• Joshua Webb, your pre-game dunks don’t mean anything; Kiefer torched you badly if I may add. 
• Norbert Torres, I have to give my regards to you and your idiotic big man coach named Tonnichi Yturri. Thanks for keeping shooting from downtown like no tomorrow just like Roider Cabrera. 
• Not hearing sucky commentators was a good feeling. I bet people who watched on TV got too much whining from TJ Manotoc (if my guess is correct).

by Mr. Orange